Iowa Monument
This spectacular monument in the Vicksburg National Military Park was dedicated on November 15, 1906. Governor Albert B. Cummins, General Grenville Dodge and a delegation of 150 Iowans were present for the dedication. The cost to the State of Iowa was $150,000. It is 64 feet wide and 29 feet high in the center portion. There are 6 bronze relief sculptures and a large equestrian statue. The reliefs, which depict different scenes from the Vicksburg Campaign, were done by Henry H. Kitson. The equestrian statue was done by Kitson and his wife, Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson. There is also a bronze plaque listing the 28 Iowa infantry regiments, 2 cavalry regiments and 2 batteries present at the Seige of Vicksburg.

The relief panels show Iowa soldiers and sailors in different battles leading up to the Seige of Vicksburg. They are, in order, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Jackson, Champion Hill, Big Black Bridge and the Iowa assault on May 22 at Vicksburg. There is a wonderful book on Vicksburg monuments, "Art of Commemoration" by Gen. Parker Hills. On its cover is the panel on the May 22 assault. He provides detailed explanation on each of the panels.

Over the years, the monument fell into disrepair. The Iowa legislature appropriated over $300,000 in 2012 for restoration. A re-dedicdation ceremony was held on May 25, 2013 with attendance by about 200 Iowans. The final photos show Gov. Terry Branstad speaking and the 49th Iowa Infantry, which served as the color guard at the ceremony. Thank you to the Jackson Clarion Ledger for the photo showing Gov. Branstad speaking.

The monument is located past Tour Stop #15 and close to the end of the tour route. The location is also near the positions of the Iowa 21st and Iowa 22nd which led the heroic charge on May 22, 1863. The first two photos were taken 10/5/08 - the others at the re-dedication of the monument on 5/25/13.

There are 13 regimental or battalion monuments which include the 32 Iowa regiments and batteries. There are also 59 bronze tablets marking positions of the various regiments on the seige line.